Description
Creamy smothered chicken and rice is a rich, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, a luscious creamy sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice. Ideal for family dinners or meal prepping, this easy-to-make dish is packed with flavor and customizable to suit any taste.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Sauce and Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with the spice mixture.
- Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Rice:
- In the same skillet, sauté onions until softened (about 2 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, coating it in the flavors.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and condensed soup, mixing well.
- Season with thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Smother the Chicken and Bake:
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, partially covering it with the sauce.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
- Cover with a lid or foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F.
- Let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Storage & Reheating: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk.
- Variations: Add vegetables like peas or bell peppers, swap chicken for pork or turkey, or make it spicier with cayenne.
- Substitutions: Use dairy-free alternatives for cream, gluten-free condensed soup, or brown rice (adjust cooking time).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking,one pan
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy chicken and rice, smothered chicken, one-pan meal, comfort food recipe, easy baked chicken